Specialized CEO Mike Sinyard, the man behind such groundbreaking bikes as the Stumpjumper, Roubaix, and Epic has kept his company focused on developing more groundbreaking bikes. Lately, though, he’s also been steering his company toward developing new bikes for entry-level riders, affordable models accessible to cyclists of any level. That was the theme at this year’s Global Product Launch, an annual event at which the company roles out its new bikes for the 2013 model year.

Specialized sought input from its sponsored ’cross racers when it redesigned the new Crux. At the request of those cyclists, the bike now has some characteristics previously found on one of their top road frame, the Tarmac. That bike is known for delivering efficient power transfer without beating you up on bumpy roads. The $4,400 Crux Carbon uses a FACT carbon frame is all new and available with mount for either traditional cantilever brakes, or disc brakes. Both have internal cable routing, and a PF30 bottom bracket. A fun race, hosted by Specialized, showed the frame to be quick and responsive.

The Paris Roubaix one-day classic, known as the Hell of the North, can be brutal on both riders and equipment. To help its riders tame the race, Specialized redesigned its Roubaix, which features refinements to the frame and fork. Notably, the chainstays have been straightened for better power transfer, yet still retain the vibration-damping Zertz inserts-as does the fork. The bike also now uses size-specific forks, with headset bearing diameters that change with the frame size so riders of all sizes enjoy the same steering precision. The new Cobl-Gobl-R seatpost further isolates riders from road shock. Cables are routed internally to keep shifting crisp no mater the conditions. In addition to the yet-to-be priced S-Works model shown here, Specialized also offers a disc-brake version.

This aluminum bike uses geometry similar to the 2013 Roubaix line of plush, carbon road bikes. The Sector puts its rider in an upright position, making it more comfortable for cyclists with less flexible backs. A new model in the line, the $2,100 Sector Expect, comes with disc brakes, giving it all-weather versatility. All of the bikes in the Sector line have clearance for 38mm tires, or 32mm with fenders, which means the bike is perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring dirt roads.

New for 2013, the Epic Marathon gives consumers a middle option between the high-end S-Works Epic and the company’s lower-priced Expert models. The $7,200 29er has a FACT Carbon front triangle. The rear uses Carbon seatstays and M5 aluminum chainstays. This model is built with Magura MT6 brakes, a SRAM 2x10 drivetrain and X0 GripShift shifters. A Fox Brain rear shock and RockShox Sid Brain fork round out this performance-oriented XC package. This one with 100mm of travel, is intended for XC racing.

Designed to please cross-country competitors just getting started, the alloy Carve family delivers crisp handling. The whole line of 29ers is outfitted with 100mm, air-sprung forks, up from 80mm in 2012, and 2x10 drivetrains. The $1,800 Carve Comp package comes with a helmet, shoes, and gloves.

The revised Ruby now bears S-Works branding, showing it to be the high-end equivalent of the men’s S-Works Roubaix SL4. The Ruby is built from the same FACT 11r carbon as the Roubaix, but the frame’s triple monocoque construction technique means that the frame uses less material without sacrificing any strength. The Ruby uses Specialized’s Zertz viscoelastic dampers in the fork and seat stays to help dampen bumps in the road. Specialized intended to sell the bike with Shimano’s newest electronic group, Dura-Ace 9000, but may switch to mechanical Dura-Ace, if the electronic parts are not available in time to ship the bike. Other component highlights include Shimano WH-9000-C24-TL tubeless wheels, and the new Cobl-Gobl-R seatpost. Specialized also tweaked the geometry, slackening the seat tube angle on some frame sizes, and adjusted the stack and reach on others to help the bike better fit more women. Available in five sizes, from 44cm to 57cm. Prices are not yet available.

Still rolling on 26-inch wheels, the Enduro has been updated for 2013 to both climb and descend better. The frame still uses the familiar X-wing shape, but the FSR rear suspension has seen significant revision: The shock now pivots on bearings rather than DU bushings for smoother action. The top-of-the-line S-Works version uses a carbon front triangle and alloy swingarm. Cane Creek’s Double Barrel shock and Fox TALAS 34 fork, which deliver 165mm rear travel, and 160mm in front. You also get SRAM’s XX1 drivetrain (with both 32 and 34t chainrings) and Avid XO trail brakes. Meant to conquer any terrain, the $8,000 bike comes with a Specialized Command dropper post, ISCG05 tabs, and a 142x12 rear axle.

The new Carbon Demo downhill bike first appeared at World Cup races earlier this season. For 2013, Specialized will offer only 250 limited-edition team replicas, which include some very trick features. Replicas have a FACT 11 carbon front triangle, M5 alloy swingarm, 135mm rear spacing, SRAM XO DH drivetrain with a 7-speed rear cassette and 9-tooth small cog, RockShox Vivid shock and a 200mm RockShox Boxxer World Cup fork with BlackBox black gold stanchions.

Currently available on the S-Works Roubaix, and coming later this year as an after-market accessory, the Cobl-Gobl-R—pronounced “cobble gobbler”—has a carbon leaf-spring design. Compared to a traditional post, the design mutes more road chatter. It also has Zertz inserts, similar to those found in the frame of the Roubaix and Ruby, to damp vibrations. The 27.2mm diameter tube is more compliant than fatter sizes, further adding to the post’s bump-absorbing abilities.

Completely redesigned with input from cobbles master Tom Boonen—Specialized is still waiting for him to return his prototype shoes—the new S-Works road shoe’s sole is stiffer than in previous years, which leads to more efficient power transfer. A roomier toe box, narrower heel, and repositioned Boa closure all ensure that the shoes are comfortable, but stay snug on your foot. The shoes will be available in half and whole sizes, and in shops this fall.

Specialized sought to build a bike with an aerodynamic advantage when it designed the carbon Rapide CLX 40. The rims are made of FACT carbon, and have a special coating on the brake track to ensure good modulation, and to minimize heat build up. The wheels use Specialized hubs with smooth-rolling DT-Swiss ceramic bearings. The rim’s 22.5mm width and tapered shape, Specialized says, demonstrated improved aerodynamics in wind tunnel testing. The width also means your tire will have a wider contact patch, allowing you to run lower pressure, improving traction and ride quality. Choose between three models: 40mm and 60mm depths, or a 40mm-deep wheel with a disc hub. The 40mm disc version costs $1,900.

Updated for 2013, the hubs on these $2,100 wheels feature wider flange spacing, and the rims use a revised carbon lay-up for better impact durability. As in 2012, the hubs are compatible with 135QR, 135x10, and 142x12 axle formats, and are built with DT Pro lock nipples and spokes for miles of maintenance-free riding. Also new is a reusable, tubeless-compatible rim strip and valves with removable cores to make tubeless set up easier.

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